THE Gaelic Players Association will step up its campaign to preserve government-funded grants in the New Year with a study measuring how the Irish economy benefits from the playing of inter-county games.

The strategy aims to prove that the resultant windfall for the Exchequer far outweighs the cost of grant-aiding inter-county players.

The controversial scheme may be only two years in existence but, in that period, the level of Government support has been slashed from an original €3.5 million to just €1.05m -- a cut of approximately 70pc.

And given the ongoing requirement for cutbacks as the country tries to escape recession, even that seriously reduced level of funding could be under renewed threat in 2010. Last year, the annual grant ranged between €1,400 and €2,500 -- payable on a sliding scale depending on a player's championship progress -- but the sums available this year are drastically reduced.

Still, the GPA is determined to maintain the principle of Government backing for inter-county players, citing their economic and cultural contribution to the well-being of the country.

Generates

This latest study will be looking purely on the economic benefits that derive from the playing of inter-county games. For example, the movement of GAA fans throughout the country generates income for the Government through VAT and/or taxes on fuel, accommodation, food and drink.

"As part of a strategy to try and preserve the principle of Government funding for inter-county players, the GPA is in the process of commissioning an economic impact study into the benefits of inter-county games to the Exchequer," explained GPA spokesperson Sean Potts.

"The GPA is confident that the results of any study will confirm that the benefits far exceed the cost of any Government grant scheme for players."

Potts maintained that the benefits would exceed the original €3.5m cost of the scheme, not just the revised figure of over €1m. With the success of Ulster football teams over the past decade, he cited the massive movement of fans from north of the border for big match days in Croke Park and the income this generates here.

Meanwhile, in the wake of its agreement with the GAA on official recognition, the GPA will be announcing its "extensive" new welfare services in early January.

- Frank Roche